Short Parliament winter session likely after Gujarat polls

The Congress on Tuesday again demanded that the Winter Session of Parliament be convened immediately and said not summoning the session reflects Modi government's fear and discomfort.

However, the Congress cried foul over the delay in convening Parliament, accusing the BJP of "running scared" from the "temple of democracy" to escape being questioned on demonetisation, GST, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir or the Doklam issue with China.

"Are they scared of being hauled over hot coals of truth", he asked.

Usually, the winter session of Parliament begins around the middle of November and lasts till the middle or third week of December.

"It is indeed unfortunate".

Naqvi said with parties busy in the assembly elections in Gujarat, many MPs have suggested that the session be delayed. We would like to demand that the Winter Session be convened immediately.

Informed sources said dates for the session were likely to be decided at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh on December 17.

He said summons were issued to Parliament members about 15 days in advance, asking them to be present for the session.

"Today, it is the 13th of November and there is no sign of the Winter Session which has been our tradition".

"Clearly, the government is running away from convening session when burning issues such as the aftermath of demeonetisation, GST, state of economy are bound to be raised in the Houses". "If it has not met, why?"

Congress insiders later said that some Opposition leaders including Anand Sharma of Congress, Sitaram Yechury of CPM, Sharad Yadav of JDU rebel group and some others have held informal discussions for exploring the possibility of a joint Opposition agitation over the issue. "We will not allow erosion of institutions, which has become the sine qua non of this government".